Lake Youngs Trail

A 9.3 mile gravel path circling the Lake Youngs Reservoir in King Country near Renton. There is 900 feet of elevation gain (and loss) on this loop that is great for a walk, a jog, or a leisurely mountain bike ride.

getting there

There are several places to park to access the trail on the surface streets nearby—these are nearly all unsigned pullouts. The easiest way to access the Lake Youngs Trail is from the trailhead at 16145 SE Old Petrovitsky Road, Renton, WA. From this trailhead, follow the trail up a small incline through the trees, then pick a direction for tackling the loop. There is a bathroom at the SE Old Petrovitsky Road parking lot.

On the trail

This trail is hard-packed dirt and gravel, is mostly double-track though with some single-track sections, and it crosses no roads. It circles the Lake Youngs Reservoir, which is managed by Seattle Public Utilities. The lake itself and the property surrounding it are both off-limits to protect this water source—you'll see "no trespassing signs" on the fence that keeps casual visitors away from the reservoir. There are also "no shooting" signs and numerous deer take advantage of this haven, so you are quite likely to spot a deer through the fence. Blue stakes mark every half-mile along the trail; if you proceed clockwise, these stakes will reflect your progress as you cover the distance. The trail's rolling hills distribute the 900 feet of elevation gain throughout the loop.

The trail is fairly scenic for a neighborhood trail, shaded by trees and sometimes tucked away from the roads. You'll even pass a field with a stable of horses. In June flowers bloom alongside the path's edges, especially foxglove. There is one spot about halfway through the loop where, just before a sharp bend in the trail, you can glimpse Lake Youngs through the trees. Expect to share the trail with dogwalkers, joggers, equestrians with their horses, local families out for a stroll, and the occasional cyclist. Throughout Memorial Day weekend you will see weary runners completing lap after lap on the trail as they compete in a series of long-distance events ranging from 50 km to 200 miles.